The Rasta stripe jersey oozes a very understated, classic cool synonymous with Salsa. Made in the USA from a breathable polyester based airlite micro-plus fabric it features a twenty inch concealed zip and three capacious rear pockets comfortably swallowing the usual suspects (500ml bottle, energy bars, bananas, multi-tool etc).

It ranks amongst the most tactile tops I’ve even worn- although not quite comparable to merino wool. Sizing and cut is exacting, the large fitting me perfectly- generous around the shoulders without being overly baggy at the sleeves. Similarly being black and enjoying a fractionally looser cut makes for a highly versatile garment, complimenting both traditional roadie Lycra and messenger longs. Black is also highly practical in the event of roadside transmission fettling while the red, green and gold provides a funky flavour.

Also available as a summer jersey, the long sleeve as tested is adequate for chill winter riding, drying swiftly following heavy, sporadic showers. It has proved perfectly adequate paired only with a merino wool base layer and gillet in temperatures gracing zero. It also provides welcome protection from more temperate wind and sun - a boon should you burn easily.

The three quarter length zip provides very tuneable climate control and the polyester composition means the jersey works best with natural base layers. Care couldn’t be simpler and experience suggests it won’t emerge fitting the neighbour’s cat following accidental hot washes.

Verdict

Pricey but very tactile, stylish three-season’s jersey.

Sizes: S, M, L, and XL

road.cc test report

Make and model: Salsa Rasta Jersey

Price: 59.99

Size tested: L

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Salsa rasta jersey is aimed at enthusiast road riders looking for a three seasons jersey.

Well made but quite pricey, probably due to the global situation and import costs.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I have been very impressed by its performance-especially through the colder months. It has good wicking properties and excellent cut without feeling overly loose, especially at the arms which can be a problem (I am disproportionately broad accross my shoulders relative to my size)

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Fit and tactile feel.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing

Did you enjoy using the product?: Yes

Would you consider buying the product?: Possibly, although a little pricey

Miscellaneous

Tools and workshop

Here's how we roll at road.cc: every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a real insight into whether it works or not. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective, and we strive to ensure that all opinions expressed are backed up by facts, but reviews are always a reviewer's informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores. It reflects both a product's function and value. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. Here's what they mean: